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There was only one way that I wanted to kick off 2014: by visiting a handful of Little Free Libraries. I am, after all, a lover of books. Real ones. Rather than owning a Kindle, what sparks my fire (see what I did there?) is reading an actual book, with pages and bindings and sweet pulpy smells. If I’m on an airplane, I don’t have to turn off my book. My book doesn’t run out of battery.

What started in 2009 in the front yard of a Wisconsin man’s home has turned into a massive worldwide movement. The mission of Little Free Library, Ltd. is “to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.” The organization’s initial goal was to build 2,510 free libraries, a number inspired by the great Andrew Carnegie’s library-related contributions. There are currently 10,000-12,000 registered Little Free Libraries around the world, a dozen of which are in Columbus. I visited six of them:

5. 490 South Champion Avenue (Olde Towne East)Book I left: The Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonBook I took: None. This library NEEDS BOOKS. If you have some that you’re willing to donate, please consider dropping them off here.

Next time you're looking for a fun outing or need a little pick-me-up, I highly recommend visiting these mini slices of literary heaven. Click here to learn about installing your own Little Free Library.